Local MP welcomes new Migdale go ahead

12.00.00am GMT Sun 8th Nov 2009

Local MP John Thurso warmly welcomed the announcement by the Scottish Government that it has given the go ahead for the new £8.3 million hospital to be built at Bonar Bridge.

Concerns had recently been raised by Jamie Stone MSP about the timescale for the new hospital which had been in the pipeline for more than 10 years. The new hospital will replace the current Migdale which is now around 150 years old.

It is thought that work will start on the new hospital in the New Year to be ready for an early 2011 opening. The facility will be a hub for elder people with mental health problems in the county. It will also provide beds for cases being treated by GPs.

John said: "Many people have been pushing for many years for this facility and it is with great pleasure that I can final welcome its go ahead. In an area as huge as Sutherland it is vital that people have quality care as close to their communities as possible."